Annex
Award of Contract for Manufacture of the
Modified Sting Ray Lightweight Torpedo
A £441 million contract has been placed
with BAE Systems Electronics Ltd, Underwater Systems Division,
for the manufacture of the modified Sting Ray lightweight torpedo,
which will enhance the capability provided by the existing weapon
system. The in-service variant of Sting Ray has been the main
anti-submarine weapon carried by our surface ships and aircraft
since 1983. Whilst it continues to meet its design aims, the threat
of a new generation of more advanced submarines, operating in
both deep and coastal waters with ever more sophisticated counter-measures,
requires an enhanced capability.
The modified Sting Ray torpedo will make best use
of advancing technologies, and will significantly enhance the
capability and maintainability of the weapon system. It will combine
the essential attributes of high speed and manoeuvrability, deep
diving, low radiated noise, advance computer based intelligence
and high warhead lethality. It will provide the Royal Navy and
Royal Air Force with the world's most advanced lighweight torpedo
from its planned in service date of 2006.
The award of this contract to BAE Systems is
excellent news for both our Armed Forces and the defence industry.
It will sustain approximately 300 jobs across the UK. This is
the culmination of work conducted by both the MoD and Industry,
and is a good example of the principles of Smart Acquisition being
put into practice to give our Armed Forces the equipment they
need at an affordable price.
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